Sermon Central
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Reluctant? Dull? Indifferent? Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 21, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I love you, Jesus, but don’t ask me to do that!” Or perhaps you have served God, but your attitude was wrong: “If no one else will do it, then I suppose I have to do it.”
Reluctant? Dull? Indifferent?
We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. (Hebrews 6:9-12)
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I love you, Jesus, but don’t ask me to do that!” Or perhaps you have served God, but your attitude was wrong: “If no one else will do it, then I suppose I have to do it.”
What causes us to be reluctant servants?
Busyness: Sometimes our schedules are so full that we don’t allow space to follow our Lord. We need to make sure that we have margin in our life.
Sense of Inadequacy: Maybe you feel unqualified, and you think, “Surely there’s someone more gifted”. Remember God promises to equip those He calls; We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6).
Selfishness: Sacrificial service is not convenient. It may require that we change plans, give up comforts, or make financial sacrifices.
Lack of love: This is the hardest for us to admit—that we just don’t care enough. A reluctance to serve others shows our lack of devotion to Jesus. If we love Christ with all our heart, we’ll joyfully serve Him by ministering to people in our family, workplace, community, and church.
Are you quick to follow the Lord’s leading, or are you focused on your own plans and desires? Any service offered in Jesus’ name won’t be in vain. You will experience the joy of giving and the assurance that He won’t forget your sacrifice.
